Explore the Red Centre’s diverse landscapes as you venture from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon on an incredible drive escape. Uncover the raw beauty and travel through the waterhole-dotted stretch of the West MacDonnell Ranges to start your journey. A drive in the Red Centre will tick off your bucket list destinations & experiences, whilst providing you with additional surprises along the way. Here is our list of must do experiences to make the most of your journey.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Experience the incredible experience of floating over Alice Springs and surrounds with the MacDonnell Ranges illuminated in the distance as the sun rises. There’s no better way to see the outback than 1,000 feet up, floating silently above the desert. Complete with sparkling wine and light refreshments, this experience is worth every minute of the early start to the day!
Cycle Alice Springs
Alice Springs has earned quite a name for itself and developed into a popular cycling destination for mountain bikers near and far! Alice Springs is one of very few towns in Australia where you can literally ride from your hotel room. Hit the tracks within minutes and experience the iconic outdoor lifestyle! Outback Cycling offer signature Red Centre experiences in one of the most prominent and unique riding destinations in the country.
West MacDonnell Ranges
Impressive waterholes are synonymous with the Northern Territory and the vast landscape of the West MacDonnell Ranges is no exception. Like a desert oasis, the gorges and waterholes of the Red Centre provide not only a welcoming and refreshing dip but also some of the most unique scenery in the state.
- Ormiston Gorge is the outback’s answer to the beach with sandy banks and the quintessentially Aussie towering gum trees surrounding the still gorge waters. Located in the West MacDonnell National Park, the gorge also contains an interesting variety of native flora and fauna and the Ormiston Pound Walk for a circuit trail exploration of the area.
- Glen Helen is yet another beautiful outback gorge, often considered to be one of the most picturesque in the country. Glen Helen campground offers a unique and comfortable camping experience where you can enjoy a cooling dip in the mirror-like water while surrounded by the beauty of the rugged sandstone walls, the local wildlife and views to the West MacDonnell Ranges. Top it off with a cosy campfire under a starry night sky.
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- Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular waterholes to visit in the Red Centre for not only its unique setting between two towering red cliffs, carved by thousands of years of floods, but also for a fantastic outback camping, hiking and swimming experience.
Helicopter Experiences
So, you’ve explored Alice Springs by foot? Why not take to the skies and experience it from above for an unforgettable experience with fantastic photo opportunities! An exclusive scenic flight is the perfect way to make any holiday extra special. With several flight paths to choose from you can truly indulge yourself with a variety of exhilarating tour options including crossings over Palm Valley, Kings Canyon & Lake Amadeus as well as taking in the sights of Uluru & Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), or the West MacDonnell Ranges to witness Glen Helen Gorge & Ormiston Gorge.
Sunrise or Sunset Camel Ride
There is something nomadic in meandering across the red desert landscape on the back of one of the world’s earliest forms of transport. With camel rides offered in both Alice Springs and Uluru, you can watch the desert come to life as the sun rises, or watch it transform as desert colours change and deepen while the sun sets. A perfect start or conclusion to your day. Venturing on a camel ride is an iconic Central Australian adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Glen Helen Lodge
This popular lodge is set amongst the West MacDonnell Ranges’ Glen Helen Gorge, an extraordinary landscape that’s over 800 million years old! Enjoy a haven of outback hospitality whilst you relax overlooking the Glen Helen cliffs. There are plenty of guided bush walks and 4WD tracks to venture on, but if you’d prefer something more laid-back perhaps, go for a dip in the ambient waters of Glen Helen Gorge and soak up the incredible outback beauty. In conjunction with the immersive outback experiences, Glen Helen Lodge has convenient facilities including recently renovated accommodation, a restaurant, bar & bistro, a swimming pool, and an outdoor terrace.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
There are many ways to see Kings Canyon – but the most famous hike is to the top of Kings Canyon, the spellbinding Rim Walk. The Rim Walk will take you on a 6-kilometre circuit transcending down into the Garden of Eden and back to the top to wonder at the 360 views. Depending on what pace you take to absorb the humbling scenery, the walk can take around 3-4 hours. The start of the walk is the most difficult, with around 500 steep steps to climb – once you are up there it will be one of the most magical experiences of your life. After you take in the views from the top of the stairs, continue your journey through Priscilla’s Crack made famous by the classic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert and is the first lookout across the canyon. From there you will see the marvellous sandstone domes known as the Lost City due to it resembling an ancient city. Next up is your choice to continue exploring the top or take the stairs down to the picturesque Garden of Eden filled with lush greenery where you can cross a secured bridge over the sacred watering hole. Once you have captured this iconic moment take the stairs back up to the south side of the canyon. The best time to take on this experience is during sunrise as the sun slowly reflections onto the sandstone turning a stunning array of oranges and reds.
Kings Creek Walk
If you’d prefer a lighter paced walk, then the Kings Creek Walk is for you! This shorter and easier trail travels 2.6km (return) along Kings Creek and will lead you into the middle of the Canyon where you’ll be rewarded with the same spectacular views. Sit back & relax or observe the wildlife, as this walk takes less than an hour to complete.
Under a Desert Moon Dining Experience
The Under a Desert Moon Dining Experience in Kings Canyon is a truly enchanting culinary adventure. Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Australian desert, this unique dining experience offers a memorable evening under the starlit sky. As the sun sets over the majestic Kings Canyon, guests are transported to a magical setting where tables adorned with elegant linens and flickering candles await. The ambiance is nothing short of mesmerising, as the desert's tranquillity sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
The culinary journey begins with a tantalizing selection of canapés and refreshing beverages, allowing guests to savour everything on offer whilst mingling with fellow diners. As twilight deepens and the desert sky becomes a canvas of twinkling stars, a five-course dinner is served, showcasing a fusion of delectable flavours inspired by the region's local produce. The menu is a culinary masterpiece, carefully crafted to delight the senses. Each dish is a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs, who skilfully combine contemporary techniques with indigenous ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes that celebrate the richness of the desert. As the night unfolds, guests are treated to a captivating display of stars above, unobstructed by light pollution. The vastness of the desert sky becomes a breathtaking backdrop, inspiring awe & wonder. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Light Towers Kings Canyon
The new Light-Towers located at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon, is the latest work of renowned international artist Bruce Munro, creator of the renowned Field of Light installation at Uluru. The new immersive light display is magnificent sight to behold. These towering structures are made up of multiple levels of platforms, each equipped with powerful floodlights that illuminate the canyon at night. The towers are strategically placed throughout the canyon, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The sound and light installation has three ticketed sessions to choose from taking in either sunrise, sunset or by night. The 30-minute Light-Towers by Night experience includes entry into the magical landscape that is Light-Towers, commencing at the scenic Luritja Lookout with option to take advantage of a food & beverage outlet before or after the session. The 1-hour Light-Towers at Sunrise will begin with an introduction to the display by a local guide before you wander through the colourful maze of light and sound and finish with light refreshments. The premium Light-Towers at Sunset session is 1.5 hours in duration, starting with native inspired canapés & drinks as the local guide speaks about the story of the installation before you view the display during the golden glow of dusk. With its impressive size & stunning illumination, it offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for everyone visiting this beautiful part of the Red Centre.
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